David Triggs, principal of Greensward college in Essex, was made executive principal of the Greig city academy in London last year after the school received a critical report by privately-hired inspectors.

Mr Triggs is now to carry out the same role at Thamesbridge college in Reading, which is due to re-open as an academy in 2006. The new school will receive sponsorship from John Madejski, entrepreneur and chairman of Reading football club.

Members of the local branch of the National Union of Teachers report that 19 teachers and one member of support staff have left the college since March, some because of concerns about the academy plans.

Mr Triggs will remain principal of Greenswood and will continue to do occasional consultancy work with Greig.

“I’m not a superhead or anything like that,” he said. “My job is to work with the principal and governors and offer opinions, not advice.”

Mr Triggs has also been hired to help Global Education Management Systems, a Dubai-based private education company which wants to set up at least two academies.